*Arrests Six Kidnappers On Lagos-Ibadan Highway
*Police Kill Suspected Kidnapper, Armed Robber, Recovers AK47 In Delta
BY GODWIN IJEDIOGOR
A SPECIAL team from the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, known as the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), has recovered 10 out of the 13 rifles inside Ohoro Forest in Ughelli, Delta State, lost when gunmen ambushed Police operatives and gruesomely murdered them some months ago.
A statement by the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olumuyiwa Adejobi (ACP), on Tuesday, May 21, said Police operatives recover police arms carted away by attackers, also arrested some suspects and neutralised some bandits, assuring the public of the IGP’s reaffirmed commitment to reduce crime to barest minimum in the country.
The statement said: “Leveraging on the recent charge on succinct intelligence gathering and sharing for effective operational deployments by the IGP, the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) has made significant strides in the ongoing efforts to combat crime and restore security in Delta State and beyond.
“Following the recent tragic events in Ohoro Forest, Ughelli, Delta State, where some Police operatives were ambushed and gruesomely murdered, leading to the loss of thirteen (13) Police rifles to the criminal suspects, the FID-IRT have successfully recovered ten (10) of these arms.
“During a coordinated operation, the gallant operatives of the FID-IRT engaged the suspects in a gun duel, which led to the neutralisation of some of the suspects, while the Police operatives successfully reclaimed ten (10) of the stolen weapons and recovered some arms used by the assailants.”
In addition: “The Police has effectively addressed the kidnapping crisis that has plagued the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, with the arrest of six (6) members of the notorious kidnapping gang terrorising the area.
“The suspects are currently in custody, cooperating with ongoing investigations.
“The IGP has reassured the public that the Police will continue to employ all necessary measures to combat criminal activities across the nation, as the safety and security of Nigerian citizens remain the top priority, and the Force is committed to maintaining peace and order through diligent and proactive efforts.
“He reiterated the determination of his leadership to creating a safe and secure environment for all citizens, while appreciating their support and cooperation.”
Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command said its special squad deployed by the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abaniwonda Olufemi, arrested nine suspected kidnappers and recovered some firearms when they stormed Inene Community in Ughelli North Local Council, while on the trail of the leader of a dreaded kidnapping syndicate, Joel Joseph, a native of Ekakpamre Community.
The suspect, according to a statement by the Command’s spokesman, Mr. Bright Edafe (SP), upon sighting the operatives, opened fire and in the ensuing gun duel, sustained serious gunshot injuries and was taken to the General Hospital, Ughelli, where he died while receiving treatment.
He said one AK47 rifle, loaded with 10 rounds of live ammunition was recovered from him, while efforts were being intensified to arrest other gang members.
In another development, operatives of Safe Delta deployed to head-bridge in Asaba, on May 16 about 9.45am, while on stop-and-search duty, intercepted a white Toyota Hiace Bus (AYB573XC), driven by one Friday Emmanuel, a 43-year-old male suspect from Mosogar in Ethiope-West Local Council.
“Upon subjecting the said vehicle to search, 875 (eight hundred and seventy-five) rounds of live cartridges concealed in a sack wrapped with pieces of clothes were recovered.
“The suspect was arrested for further investigation and the exhibit was impounded. Investigation is ongoing,” the statement added.
